Mindful Monday: My Best Friend…

One of the most profound gifts of this inner journey is realizing that I’ve truly become my own best friend. I genuinely appreciate who I am, and I love spending time with myself.

As I write these words, I feel a gentle warmth in my heart, knowing I can show up for myself with kindness and compassion.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight, and it’s an ongoing journey, a continuous way of living and being with myself, moment by moment.

For much of my life, I carried a deep sense of unworthiness. I stayed constantly busy—chasing achievements, seeking validation—because deep down, I believed I wasn’t enough. I felt uneasy in my skin, so I avoided being alone. Being around others helped me escape myself.

Gratefully, there came a point when I stopped running. I longed for peace, and something deep inside me was willing to pause. It didn’t feel comfortable or natural, but I tried.

Even as I began my spiritual journey, I was still focused on fixing myself.

It felt like I was living inside a never-ending renovation project—like a home always under construction, never quite finished. There was always something I thought needed improving, changing, or tearing down. A new habit to build. A flaw to eliminate. A version of me that was just out of reach.

This mindset kept me chasing an illusion. I was constantly scanning for what was “wrong” and what needed to be “better” before I could finally feel worthy, lovable, or whole. It was exhausting—and heartbreaking.

It took me years to realize that I wasn’t broken and I didn't need to be fixed.

Change happened when…

I turned toward my pain and the parts that didn’t feel enough with compassion and curiosity, instead of judgment.

I wasn’t trying to get rid of or fix anything. I was learning the transformative power of being and observing.  

I started noticing the voice of my Inner Critic—the one that shames, blames, and keeps us small.

At the same time, I began connecting with my Inner Child—the part of me that simply wanted to feel safe, seen, and loved.

I became curious about all parts of myself, shining light on them and seeking to understand.

That was the game changer.

As Dr. Richard Schwartz, developer of Internal Family Systems, says, “There are no bad parts.”

Learning to recognize, understand, and care for these inner parts has been one of the greatest keys to self-love.

Instead of pushing pain away, I learned to sit with it. To listen. And to offer myself the tenderness I once sought from others.

Healing doesn’t come from trying to fix or perfect ourselves. Healing begins when we can soften, listen, and allow ourselves to be—just as we are, in this moment.

Healing begins with presence—with the courageous willingness to pause, breathe, and feel.

It’s about learning to love all parts of ourselves: the messy, the tender, the joyful, the unsure.

Real transformation begins when we stop treating ourselves like a project and start honouring ourselves like a beloved home, worthy of care, presence, and deep respect. A place we can return to, again and again.

This is what it means to come home to ourselves: to realize we are never truly alone when we can be present with all parts of who we are. And this creates space for more of our true essence to reveal itself.  

What I’ve found is that the more I practice self-compassion, the more a loving presence continues to emerge from within.

I love that I genuinely enjoy being with myself. I'm no longer running away from who I am.

Just last week, I had a sudden inspiration to see a movie. It was totally last-minute. So, I grabbed my cozy blanket, hopped in the car, bought some popcorn, and enjoyed the show—just me. It was great!

There was a time when I never would’ve done that. I would’ve felt awkward, maybe even embarrassed, wondering what people might think.

But now? It feels incredibly freeing not to care about any of that, and simply enjoy my own company.

We are the one we’ve been waiting for.

There is a part of us that already knows how to love, care, and heal. Trust that. Keep showing up. Keep listening.

The journey back to ourselves is the most sacred path we can walk—and the most loving home we’ll ever find.

With love,

Diane